Planning your Annapurna Circuit Trek in the year 2026? Then this is the ultimate guide you've been looking for, containing everything from tips on how to cross the Thorong La Pass to the latest information on permit fees, acclimatization plans, and more. All from the expertise gained from over two decades of guiding treks in the Himalayas of Nepal.
One of the most rewarding long-distance treks in the world, the Annapurna Circuit Trek takes 12 to 18 days to finish and traverses Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. You will cross a difficult mountain pass, traverse a variety of terrain from high-altitude desert to subtropical lowlands, and get a taste of real Himalayan culture in towns like Manang and Marpha.
The hike is moderately challenging and requires enough acclimatization and physical fitness. Nonetheless, motivated first-time hikers who are well-prepared can accomplish it.
In the last 20 years, I have led this circuit more than 40 times. In October of last year, I saw a 62-year-old Australian teacher who had doubted she could make it just two days before stand at the top of the pass with tears in her eyes.
Everything I've discovered from numerous crossings is shared in this guide. You'll receive frank evaluations of the challenges, up-to-date 2026 expenses and rules, comprehensive logistics, and the insider information that makes the difference between failing and succeeding.
Are you prepared to begin making plans? Check out our Annapurna Circuit Trek packages, which include knowledgeable guides and all-inclusive assistance.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is more of an altitude challenge than a technical one. Without any climbing gear or mountaineering expertise, you will traverse well-traveled paths.
You will, however, ascend more than 4,000 meters and traverse Thorong La Pass, where everyone is impacted by altitude. Pacing is assisted by prior hiking experience, but fitness and acclimatization are more important than trail experience.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Walking Requirements Each Day |
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| Physical Requirements |
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My Seasonal Suggestions:
The most consistent weather and the best mountain views are found from October to November. Popular teahouses are packed at this busy time of year, especially in Manang, where hikers spend additional days getting used to the new environment.
At lower elevations, spring brings blooming rhododendrons and warmer temps. On Thorong La, however, spring snow can persist into early April, sometimes causing short-term closures.
Only seasoned hikers who can withstand intense cold should consider winter trips. In heavy years, snow depths can exceed 1-2 meters, and many teahouses close above Manang.
Organizing the dates of your trek? Check the availability of our seasonal Annapurna Circuit excursions for October through November of 2026.
The typical circuit travels from Besisahar to Nayapul in a circular direction. To save time, many hikers now take jeeps on parts of the lower trail.
You will begin your journey over terraced rice fields at 760 meters above sea level at Besisahar. Nowadays, the majority of trekkers skip two days by using jeeps from Besisahar to Syange or Dharapani.
Important stops when walking:
In the last few years, the road has grown considerably. Expect hot and muggy weather in this area if you decide to walk.
This area shifts from a thick pine forest to a drier upper valley. You will have to pick between paths as the trail passes through Pisang.
Options for routes to Pisang:
Your body needs time to make extra red blood cells, so plan on staying here for at least two nights.
Manang Activities That Are Essential:
I have witnessed innumerable hikers speed through Manang after just one night, only to suffer greatly at Thorong La. Avoid such a mistake and make good use of Manang's two nights.
Do you need advice on how to properly acclimate? Throughout your journey, safe altitude progression is guaranteed by our knowledgeable Annapurna guides.
After leaving Manang, the terrain changes to a desert at a high elevation. The air visibly thins, winds pick up, and vegetation becomes sparse.
Exposure to increasing altitude:
In order to shorten the crossing distance, some hikers push to High Camp (4,800m). But for most people, this results in disturbed sleep and a large increase in altitude exposure.
Unless you have very good acclimatization, I suggest staying at Thorong Phedi. It's better to start early and sleep lower than to reach 5,000 meters fatigued.
More than any other portion, this day puts your preparation to the test. Success or failure is determined by how well it is executed.
Thorong La Crossing Timetable:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1:30 AM | Tea, biscuits, and wake-up |
| 2:30 AM | Put on headlights and begin to stroll |
| 6:30–7:30 AM | Reach Thorong La Pass (5,416m) |
| 7:30–11:30 AM | Reach Muktinath by descent (3,800m) |
| Total Duration | Eight to ten hours, 600 meters up (From High Camp), 1,600 meters down |
The early start maximizes time before the weather worsens and avoids afternoon breezes. You will ascend steadily for four to five hours from Thorong Phedi.
The last 200 meters have loose scree and a significant steepening. Prayer flags flutter in the wind at the crossing, and views of the mountains stretch beyond to Mustang and Dhaulagiri.
Crucial Pass Day Advice:
I led a group through unforeseen snow squalls at the pass last March. By starting at 2 AM and reaching the summit by 6:30 AM, we had gained vital time before the storm got worse.
Are you worried about crossing Thorong La Pass? Together, our knowledgeable guides have traversed the pass more than 500 times and are familiar with all weather patterns.
Many hikers ride jeeps from Muktinath to Jomsom after Thorong La. But there are other benefits to walking that you shouldn't pass up.
Descent to the West Highlights:
Nepal's renowned apple brandy is made at Marpha. The whitewashed village is still immaculate, with narrow cobblestone lanes; stop by local distilleries for sampling.
To see the sunrise over Poon Hill, you can walk from Tatopani to Ghorepani. This adds two to three days, but the views are breathtaking. Find out more about combining Poon Hill and Annapurna Circuit.
The majority of trekkers travel to Pokhara in jeeps from Tatopani or Beni. Many people now favor the eastern ascent because modern road building has altered the circuit's nature on the western descent.
Knowing the rules that are in place right now can help you make a good budget. There are certain rules on permits that apply to the Annapurna region that have altered in the last few years.
| Permit Type | Cost | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) | NPR 3,000 (~$25 USD) | Required for all trekkers in the Annapurna region |
Check out the complete Annapurna Permit Details for 2026.
You can buy ACAP in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board office or in Pokhara before you start. When you go trekking with registered agencies, you don't need TIMS cards anymore.
Before you go, check the rules for permits because they can change. Bring photocopies of your passport and extra passport photos for permissions.
Need help with permissions and planning? Our Annapurna Circuit packages include everything you need, like permits, paperwork, and travel plans.
| Category | Budget Trekker (Independent) | Mid-Range Trekker (With Guide) | Comfort Trekker (Guide + Porter) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permits | $25 | $25 | $25 |
| Guide | - | $30–$35/day | $30–$35/day |
| Porter | - | - | $25–$28/day |
| Lodging | $3–$5/night | $5–$8/night | $8–$12/night |
| Food | $15–$20/day | $20–$25/day | $25–$30/day |
| Transportation | $50–$80 | $50–$80 | $80–$100 |
| Other | $100 | $150 | $200 |
| TOTAL (12–14 days) | $500–$700 | $1,200–$1,500 | $1,800–$2,200 |
Saving Money Helpful Hints:
Want prices that are clear and don't include any hidden fees? Check out our full Annapurna Circuit package prices, which include all meals, guides, and permits.
Don't carry too much; teahouses include food and blankets. I've seen people who are hiking wear packs that are 20 kg when they just need 8 to 10 kg.
Not sure what to bring? Get our full Annapurna Circuit packing list, which includes gear suggestions based on the altitude.
Along the whole route, teahouses offer simple places to stay. Room quality go down as you go higher, but they're good enough for trekkers.
What to Look Forward To:
| Altitude Range | Accommodation Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 3,000m | Private rooms with attached toilets and hot showers | $2–$3 |
| 3,000–4,500m | Private rooms, shared bathrooms, and not much hot water | Varies |
| Above 4,500m | Basic rooms, little heat, and shared bathrooms | Varies |
In popular places like Manang and Thorong Phedi, you should book one day in advance during the busy season (October to November). Call ahead or ask the current owners of the teahouse to save your future stop.
If you eat at a teahouse, you can usually stay there for free. If you don't eat meals, expect to pay NPR 300 to 500 for a room.
How to Act in a Teahouse:
The biggest danger on the Annapurna Circuit Trek is the altitude. Recognizing warning symptoms and properly acclimatizing can help you avoid significant complications.
| Day | Location | Altitude | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 5 | Manang | 3,540m | Get to Manang |
| Day 6 | Manang | 3,540m (climb to 4,000m) | A day off with a climb to 4,000m to get used to the altitude |
| Day 7 | Yak Kharka | 4,018m | Go on to Yak Kharka |
| Day 8 | Ledar or Thorong Phedi | 4,200–4,450m | Ledar or Thorong Phedi |
| Day 9 | Thorong La to Muktinath | 5,416m (pass) to 3,800m | Cross Thorong La and then go down to Muktinath |
This schedule gives for the right amount of time to adjust. If you skip Manang's second night, the danger of getting altitude sickness goes up a lot.
Want to know how to handle high altitudes like a pro? Our guided Annapurna Circuit excursions include health checks every day and information on the altitude before the hike.
In the last twenty years, I've had to get trekkers out of Thorong Phedi three times. They had ignored early signs and gone too high too quickly each time.
There is no way to negotiate safety. All of our Annapurna Circuit Treks come with full travel insurance advice and help in case of an emergency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
It costs between $5,000 and $8,000 to evacuate by helicopter from a high place. You must have full travel insurance that covers helicopter rescue.
Availability of Rescue:
Helicopter activities are limited by the weather. Flights in the morning are more likely to be successful than those in the afternoon.
Always check to see whether your insurance covers trekking in Nepal up to 6,000 meters. Most standard plans don't cover activities at high altitudes.
| Timeline | Training Activities |
|---|---|
| Three Months Before |
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| 6 Weeks Before |
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| Two Weeks Before |
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You don't need to be fit for a marathon, but regular preparation will help you avoid problems. I've helped fit 65-year-olds do better than 30-year-olds who don't move around.
Want a training plan just for you? Get in touch with our trek experts for personalized fitness prep advice based on how much experience you have.
| Season | Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn (October to November) | Risk of early snow (late November) | Keep an eye on forecasts and have a flexible schedule |
| Spring (March to May) | Risk of afternoon storms and snow that doesn't melt | Start early in the morning and check the pass conditions |
| Winter (December to February) | Risk of very cold weather, deep snow, and avalanches | Only use expert assistance and the right gear |
| Monsoon (June to September) | Risk: landslides on the way and damage to the trail | Don't go if you're risk-averse; look for other alternatives |
The weather at Thorong La changes quickly. Clear mornings can turn into whiteout blizzards by the afternoon, so you have to start early.
The Annapurna Circuit has more to offer than only beautiful mountain views; it also has deep cultural experiences. Knowing about local customs makes your trip much more interesting.
Best places:
Suggestions for Camera Gear:
In November of last year, I took a professional photographer to Pisang to take pictures of Annapurna II at sunrise. The light made the peak a bright orange color, which made it onto National Geographic's list of the best photos.
Want to learn more about other cultures than what's in guidebooks? Our local Annapurna guides know how to get inside monasteries, tell stories about villages, and discover great places to take pictures that you won't find anywhere else.
If you prepare properly, the circuit is pretty safe for anyone who are hiking alone. The trails are easy to follow, there are teahouses where you may stop often, and you'll see other trekkers every day. But having a guide makes things safer because they know the area, can help with altitude issues, and can help in an emergency. Check out our guided and self-guided Annapurna Circuit options.
The pass crossing is harder, even though Thorong La is 5,416 meters high and EBC is 5,364 meters high. Instead of a slow EBC approach, you'll grow and lose a lot of height in one day. But you don't need any technical abilities to get to Thorong La, and the view there is more varied than in the Everest area. Look at the differences between our Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp tours.
Now there are roads that go from Besisahar to Manang and from Muktinath to Tatopani. Most people who go on treks take a vehicle from Besisahar to Syange or Dharapani, then trek to Muktinath and then a jeep to Pokhara. The eastern path from Manang to Thorong La is still a beautiful place to hike.
It's technically conceivable to use jeeps for the lower parts, but I strongly advise against it. It takes at least 12 to 14 days to get used to the new environment. Rushing makes altitude sickness much more likely and takes away from the experience of villages like Manang and Marpha. Check out our suggested 14-day Annapurna Circuit itinerary for safe acclimatization.
Budget trekkers pay $500 to $700 to go on a 12- to 14-day trip by themselves. A mid-range trip with a guide costs $900 to $1,400. The cost of a comfortable hike with a guide and a porter is between $1,200 and $1,800. These expenditures cover things like permits, housing, food, and basic transportation.
Guides know the best routes, how to handle high altitudes, how to understand other cultures, and how to help in an emergency. Experienced guides are quite helpful for people who are trekking in the Himalayas for the first time. Experienced trekkers who are comfortable with heights and finding their way can go on their own, although guides make the trip safer and help you learn about the culture. Meet our team of Annapurna guides, who have more than 100 years of combined experience.
October has the best weather, with bright skies and steady conditions. November has the same weather but fewer people. March and April are warmer months with clear mornings. Stay away from December to February (when it's quite cold) and June to September (when the monsoon rains are coming).
The Annapurna Circuit Trek gives you what few other trips can: a real physical challenge, a high-altitude accomplishment, and a deep cultural experience. Crossing Thorong La Pass tries your willpower, and communities like Manang and Marpha show you what real life is like in the Himalayas.
You'll come away from the trip changed, with recollections of prayer flags snapping in the wind on the mountains, sharing meals with other trekkers, and that moment when you realized you had done something amazing at 5,416 meters. The circuit gives you an adventure that will change your life if you plan ahead.
Are you ready to hike the Annapurna Circuit? This is how to get started:
2026 bookings get a special deal: If you book any Annapurna Circuit departure before February 15th, you'll get a free pre-trek altitude briefing session.
Do you have any questions about the trek? For quick help from our trek planning experts, call/WhatsApp us at +977-9841869254(Dambar) or email info@shikharadventure.com.
The Annapurnas are calling. Will you respond?
